Husqvarna Rancher 460 Chainsaw: A Disappointing Test

Both Husqvarna and Stihl have good reputations among chainsaw manufacturers, but that doesn't mean every product is a winner. With the Husqvarna Rancher 460 model, which has a large 60cc engine and 24 inch bar, I found one design problem that I found disappointing. I also found that warranty support is not up to industry standards. In this video I review and test this chainsaw on some large maple trees, and explain what happened when I needed warranty support on the first day of use.
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[@mr.x2832]

Ngl man that kinda seems like a huge user error to me idk why you would let go of to the handle after pulling it unless I’m missing something

[@enduringcharm]

You're missing something. To be clear, I'm not letting go of the handle at the end of the pull stroke with the rope at full extension. After you pull the handle and the engine sputters to life, the rope retracts. Maybe the last 4-5 inches you let go so you can grab the saw handle to get control of the saw. Occasionally the handle bounces once or twice as it retracts, which is what snapped off the plastic choke lever. Chainsaws are used in rugged environments, it's normal for branches to get tangled, for the saw to get bounced around, and for the saw to see some abuse. The design should accommodate this environment. I've been using chainsaws for 40 years and I've had the controls break off exactly never times before this. The plastic pull tab is under-designed on this saw.

[@mr.x2832]

@@enduringcharm interesting perhaps similar to the consumer line off stihl saws the husky consumers saws are also junk for the most part. All I have ever ran saw wise was pro stuff from husky and stihl and I have always ended up leaning towards Husqvarna over stihl

[@enduringcharm]

Other models within the Husqvarna line may be fine in this regard, that I can't say. I do find there is a general trend among all tool manufacturers toward less durable and less thoughtful design. I attribute it to the idea that the engineers and product managers simply don't have real-world experience using tools.

[@thomasbishop9098]

I paid $43 for both of those saws, used. They were advertised at $45 on marketplace, and I had $38 in bills, $7 in change. When I hit 42, or 43 and it was no more quarters, the selling was ok with that and didn't want the dimes and a few nickles. The Rancher runs good, but the sellers friend had put the chain on backward, screwing up the chain, and a few other things. I bought a new chain. The 50cc Poulan starts but may need a carb kit. I think once I mess with the carb, purchase price and parts, $100 should lgive me teo good saws Both saws have the choke levers still attached.

[@pvvwt4377]

The 460 is a very reliable homeowner model saw . You should use a 20" bar on it , a 24" bar is a bit overkill . Amongst several other Husqvarna saws , i also use a 460 as my main firewood cutting saw . I used it for more than 10 years now,it never let me down , not once !

[@enduringcharm]

I think you're right, it is better suited for a 20" bar, but they are selling it with a 24 inch.

[@williamtanguay2781]

It's actually a 25" bar I believe...Works really good with an 18" bar and new Husqvarna pro chain.

[@brucemose4079]

Just now watching video? Here is my take on it? I have one for 5 to or so yrs now? Have a 24 in bar on it - works very well. First thing I did was taking it to authorize dealer and adjust carb to my elevation - 9500 ft above sea level before using. Since then been cutting tall Pines for fire wood - 25 truck loads per yr. Also the starter rope should be rode back into spool - letting it slap back in? Just my take from here in the rural navajo reservation.

[@rtundlt1]

I purchased a 460 a little over a year ago to replace my Stihl 290 that was a complete junk saw, even though I bought it brand new. The 460 is a beast of a saw, even with the 24" bar and an aggressive chain. To each their own, but my 460 is such a good saw that I'll never go back to a Stihl again. BTW, my Husqvarna 41 that I've owned since new in 1994 is still running strong and has cut countless cords of wood. Not saying you're wrong in your assessment, you have your priorities, but for me I want a saw that starts reliably, and cuts like a beast. The 460 is that saw for me.

[@enduringcharm]

It isn't that I believe the 460 is an awful saw, I just think some minor design changes to the plastics would make it a much better saw and I do think it's marginally powered for the longer bar. We need to hold these manufacturers and designers accountable or else we'll have a steady slide into mediocrity. I'm just as critical of my own work!

[@waterdog4191]

I’ve had a 460 for about 3 years with moderate use. It was finicky when I first got it but Googled how to adjust carburetor. Has run really well and starts up cold a few pulls every time. My bar oil cap would not seal properly right out of the box and it took me a little while to figure out where the leak was coming from. Never had issues with the replacement. Mine came with a 20” bar and can bog down when buried deep so would not go longer. I would have no problem recommending this chainsaw, with 20” bar, most for non-professional use. But, if an option, I would always move up to a pro model, no matter the manufacture.

[@kobelcofan]

I have been in the landscape industry for the last 6 years and have had my own company for 1 year. I can tell you that Husqvarna has really gone downhill in recent years, I also have been disappointed in Stihl. My Husqvarna saw has a choke knob and it doesn't stay put and it's easy to accidentally shut the saw off. The worst part is the chain brake it brake and stays on all the time. I have had it repaired I don't know how many times. I'm an Echo/ Shindowa guy I have a 20" Echo going on 2 years I've never had to get it serviced. The choke is on the right side out of the way of the pull cord. I would recommend looking at some Shindowa saws they're professional grade Makita makes a good saw too. I have always liked your reviews because they're honest and unbiased.

[@enduringcharm]

I guess I'm not surprised to hear your thoughts--so many premium brands have failed to stay that way these days.

[@dominicmogridge3920]

Just bought a 2nd hand one.thanks for the info my friend.i have a 395xp which I love(I'm a tree surgeon in west cork.eire)heard contrary reviews so any observations appreciated.respect my friend.stay safe and lucky

[@andrewaxiak574]

If your Hell bent on a Pro saw pay the money and purchase one! I did my research when I was looking at getting a saw and purchased the 460 because it was fit for purpose for the money I paid and in 8 years I've never had a problem, yes the oiler system is not up to standard but everything else is what I've paid for.

[@enduringcharm]

For me it isn't really a matter of pro or non-pro level. Instead, I think for $600 we should be getting better design and a more honest packaging. This saw is being packaged with too long of a blade for it's available power and some minor tweaks of plastic engineering would make for a more durable tool.

[@user-ww9jz2ce4v]

I agree with this statement and is my same experience

[@teter129]

I’ve had the 460 for a while now. Excellent saw, Basic consumer saw!? I don’t think so. But okay . . .its never let me down whether cutting timber on the west coast or (even easier) the east coast . . .

[@matticus6339]

I am not a fan of the 4 series saws but it sounds like the pull cord pulled out of your hands and slapped the choke lever and broke it, if so thats not the saws fault.

[@enduringcharm]

To be clear, the the handle was not let go at full extension, it probably snapped a few inches. If the choke lever is that fragile in that circumstance, it's also fragile while dragging the saw through brush and branches. In my opinion a chainsaw should be designed for the environment it is used.

[@danielbarker9647]

Got one of these saws, waste of time and money. My 20 year old farm boss ran circles around that thing. It worked for 2 hours and nothing but problems, took it back and will go buy another Stihl.

[@gregoryhumphries8956]

Whelp to give some more thought. I just bought an Husqvarna 372 xp. Brand new. $1000.00 saw. Spent the day trying to start the saw. Never did start. Monday saw goes back to dealer. A Month later I get it back. On second tank of fuel quit running. This was the 50 to 1 canned Husqvarna fuel. Another month at the shop. Just last weekend wouldn't start. I've paid $1000 for a saw that has not had three tanks of gas run though, not to mention close to four months in the shop. New Saw. I have a Husqvarna 455 Rancher as well. 12 years it has cut probably close to 200 cords. That 372 would be hard pressed to cut maybe 1. I told the dealer I'd been better off to bought a 460 at TSC. NOT TO MENTION SAVED $500. IF I would of researched that 372xp before buying it on KZbin I'd known not to buy it. There is 50 pages of problems with that saw. Won't Start. Go figure.

[@enduringcharm]

Sadly, it isn't just this brand where things like this happen these days. The lack of design review and quality control seems to be more and more common in recent years. We spend good money and it's a crap shoot if the tool, or the car, or the appliance will work as advertised or not.

[@brown5066]

I love mine even with the 24 inch bar ...but im going to kick it down to an 18 or a 20 just because im more into it for cutting firewood then knocking down trees so the 24 is a bit much

[@Blair62]

I had the kill switch wire on my 445 X-Torq vibrate off where it attaches to the engine. Disconcerting to not be able to shut off the saw. You're supposed to gently return the starter rope back on any engine and not let it whip back in. Don't see this as a warranty issue. Totally agree about long wait times for service. Why didn't you just order a new part?

[@enduringcharm]

I did request a replacement part and they sent it. To be clear, I don't make a habit of letting go of the handle at full extension. However, anybody using a pull start engine will do it from time to time due to engine compression kickback, exhaustion from the work, or from a lost grip. Beyond that, the plastic tab in question could snap many other ways, including just catching on a branch or from rough handling of the saw during work. I'm not using these saws to cut a clean log on a saw horse, I'm using them to bring down or clean up large trees with messy branches. I'm cutting in the middle of those messy branches over a ten hour day. I would expect the saw design to be able to keep up in that environment, and this one did not in it's first test.

[@Blair62]

Agree. My 445 X-Torq has a very stout one piece switch that does choke, high idle, and kill all in one. Well garded too but still easy to kill. I don't know why they changed that. I will point out that the 460 carb is very easy to tune vs when the autotune or other electronically controlled saw isn't running right it's going to be an expensive trip to the shop.@@enduringcharm

[@RandomStuff-zt6qf]

Just picked up a new one of these today and the caps are completely different, it has the flip up tab ones now

[@Slane583]

I priced out one of the new versions like you have over the weekend. Instead of buying it I looked at the specs on Husqvarna's website and compared it to my current saw. To be honest it's not worth the $600 price tag they're asking for it. It's a 60cc saw that's only putting out 3.65hp. My main saw I compared this to is a MS251 which is making 3hp and it's only a 45cc saw. So this thing only putting out an extra .65hp is kind of sad imo. For an extra $80 I could buy an ECHO CS-680P with a 28" bar.

[@williamtanguay2781]

You have to get a pro saw chain with a yellow marker on it. Not a green marker.

[@marcbugge7833]

My Husky 460 rancheros great. I have bucked up two pines, 30" to40" around 120' tall with out a problem!

[@Kingfisher276]

I had a husquvarna 257 for 23 years now still runs really good it’s like a old Honda trike it just won’t die but it’s getting pretty worn out

[@elizabethloy5485]

Put 18 to 20 here Australia hard iron bark no problems

[@ocsplc]

What’s with the Husky hate? I’ve got a fleet of eight pro saws pretty much 50/50 Stihl and Husky, plus an Echo 680. I do have the 460 Rancher and use it as a limber with 20” bar. It does the job and is a few ticks below my pro saws. You get what you pay for. I did a muffler mod, retuned the carb and now she runs with a bit more power. But, all in all, there is no obvious difference in performance between my Stihls and Huskies. In fact the Husky’s are easier to start. stihls seem better with dogs buried in trunk when making cuts on big trunks, but Husky’s aren’t much different. Is the performance difference of both pro brands so much as to justify the added expense of a Stihl? I say no, but I like having them on hand nevertheless. My favorite is actually my old 460 Magnum with Max Flow air kit and Performance SS muffler. She screams.

[@enduringcharm]

Not really Husky hate, but annoyance when manufacturers sell designs which would be easily improved. I think you are right--the 460 would be fine sporting a 20 inch bar, but that's not the way it is sold. If Husqvarna is selling this with a 24 inch bar, then it ought to have the power to make that work rather than be marginal. The plastic choke pull, though, is just dumb. It would be trivial to make that design stronger and more protected.

[@ocsplc]

@@enduringcharm can’t argue with the reasonableness of your arguments.

[@dominicmogridge3920]

Screw access to filter and plug is a pain too.why didnt they put quick release clips on?much easier in the woods.i always take my depth gauges down approx 1/8" more so the chain bites.things made for idiots these days.ive worked saws for 48yrs and I know how my kit will react under any circumstances and be prepared

[@Slane583]

I looked at one of these things at our local Running's store over the weekend. Because of the $600 price tag I thought about grabbing one, but like I did when I was pricing out a new Stihl I stopped myself and did extra research on it first. Which again, I'm glad I did. For it being a 60cc saw its' rated power of 3.65hp is quite sad. My MS251 is only 45cc and makes 3hp. So IMO this thing is a heap at $600. The Stihl MS 400C is a massive heap at $1,000. I've been shopping around for several weeks now for a much bigger saw capable of felling large trees for lumber and it doesn't matter which model it is, if it's a Stihl or a Husqvarna their prices are total garbage. ECHO beats them hands down in pricing no matter what you go for. A ECHO CS-590 Timber Wolf is $460 equipped with a 24" bar and it puts out 4hp at 59.8cc's. It's also capable of running up to a 28" bar IF you needed one that big. The CS-620P is the more Pro-Grade version of the CS-590 and it can be had for $640 with a 24" bar. The ECHO saw I've been looking at, the CS-680P is 66.8cc's just like Stihl's overpriced MS 400C. But unlike the MS 400C, the ECHO CS-680P can be equipped with a 28" bar, has a powerful bar oiler and it has a manual oiler override, only going for $680 unlike the $1,000 for the MS 400C. With all of the shopping around I've done I've come to conclusion that if you want a well built name brand saw with good specs for the price ECHO is your best bet. Husqvarna and Stihl can't hold a candle to ECHO in that department. If you don't care about getting a brand name saw and like to work on your own stuff just buy a Chinese Clone saw that has better build quality over the other Chinese offerings and you're set. Especially since the China Clones are based on old reliable designs that are easy to get parts for. For the price of the Stihl MS 400C I could get TWO decent China Clones that I can work on myself without having to bring it to a "Verified Service Center".

[@enduringcharm]

That's the thing for me--if you are going to charge a premium price, then I'm going to take a closer look at the quality. If the price is a bargain, maybe I can forgive some minor flaws.

[@Slane583]

@@enduringcharm Indeed. That's kind of why I'm still shopping around and have yet to buy anything. I keep going back and forth in my head about just buying a decent China Clone of a Stihl MS380 which would get me a decent 72cc saw capable of pulling a 28" bar for about $400 with bar. But then I also want to really try an ECHO as I've never used one. Then when I look again at a brand like NEOTEC I could get a decent China Clone of a Stihl MS660 equipped with a 28" bar for the same price as the ECHO CS-680P. Eventually I'll make up my mind on what I want. But one thing's for sure Stihl and Husqvarna aren't on the list. The only two worthy candidates are ECHO or a China Clone.

[@statelinelife3206]

Ive had the same model for about a year and have used it a lot and have never had a issue with it knock on wood lol

[@dominicmogridge3920]

Heard the Oilers was an issue

[@peterperigrino1403]

If you would want to sell your 460....please let me know....I have one myself...and I'd like to have another one for a parts saw.....thank you very much...and great job on dropping those 2 trees...they were really nice size.....

[@enduringcharm]

Ha! I'll be keeping the saw, I'm just a little disappointed with parts of it. Actually, the paper clip I used as a temporary repair is still working. The company did send me the replacement part, but I haven't installed it yet.

[@82dupont]

I had a Husqvarna and I hated it, when it worked it was great, it was just quirky, very fickle, would lose its adjustments to easily. I switched to Echo chainsaws and never had a problem, I’m a homeowner so I don’t have commercial experience. FYI for homeowners the Echo saws like the Timberwolf and a 16 inch saw are all you will need.

[@larrylynch8040]

I own two Husqvarna chainsaw, never experience any what you had went through with a Husqvarna chainsaw

[@gavinelliot3564]

1500$in Aust

[@jimmycarter9099]

Order a new carb off line 15 20 dollars it comes with plastic

[@94SexyStang]

Just go buy a Stihl and be done......if you can't afford that, buy an Echo. Do NOT buy from box stores, it's much easier to deal with a Dealer for warranty and issues, box stores are Out of loop after the 30 day return policy, then you're dealing with Postal Service for your warranty, not cool!! Many dealers will Not deal with you if you bring them a Box saw, you are taking a risk.

[@theamerican7080]

It loves to throw the chain off and damage the saw. It's a miserable piece of pipe sludge.

[@bellyacres7846]

great honest review! plastic? = sad the lower case is plastic, poly,? very honest of you to show this. Ive watched these rancher saws & maybe a plastic case is ok with some. Im in the homeowner class, But will always prefer an older pro version. they are better quality than these plastic toys. *yeah I have a plastic toy, it is good for its purpose. [it runs], But is a throw away saw. these should cost maybe 100 usd new , but foolish folks [like I was] buy them new. :( these homeowner grade saws are over priced. better to buy a Chinese clone saw. you do Not get what you pay for.

[@chadlambert3186]

Just buy a 500i

[@stargazer3832]

Terrible saw. I regret buying it. With very little use, the saw broke and would not start; many attempts to repair it failed. The company service is non-existent. It is just a lousy saw and an awful company. Lesson learned; No Huskavarna products for me.

[@victoryaaron8]

I run an equipment shop and have dealt with Husqvarna saws. They are junk you would be better off buying an Echo from home Depot.

[@enduringcharm]

I don't have experience with the whole line of saws, but this one was not impressive.

[@tomknapton5051]

I have had Husqvarna saws for over 20 years and they are number one saw over any other saw out there

[@y2ktube]

"have dealt with Husqvarna saws. They are junk" - Blah blah. I bought the 460 with the standard 24' bar from Lowe's and it's fantastic ! (Also bought their fuel to extend the factory warranty to 5 years!). Now, I also own THREE Stihl chain saws and a M18 battery Milwaukee saw (the waukee is GREAT !). The reason I bought the Husky, is that the three Stihl units have all malfunctioned (unusable). So I thought, what the heck I'll change brands; NO REGRETS buying the Husky !

[@bobbyabbott3035]

That poulan pro is homeowner junk . Husqvarna 10x better saw. I see your tender hands your not a working man!

[@enduringcharm]

Ha! Tender hands? I work seven days a week in my own remodeling company and when I get time off I get to repair my vehicles and tools so I can do it all over again. My hands may be swollen, stiff, bleeding and missing parts, but they aren't tender.

[@Icutmetal]

@@enduringcharmDon’t feed the troll by responding to a misspelled response. That’s like seeing dog shit on the sidewalk and deciding to step in it.